The Illinois Citizens Utility Board (CUB) launched a new online help center which CUB said is designed, "to warn consumers about bad natural gas deals being peddled door-to-door, over the phone, or via mail."

The site is CUBHelpCenter.com

CUB also published "CUB's Guide to Avoiding Natural Gas Rip-offs" which CUB said, "gives consumers tips on avoiding bad deals, an informational poster to warn neighborhoods of door-to-door rip-offs, and a chart that compares alternative supplier offers with utility rates."

CUB said natural gas supplier complaints have increased 65%

From October 2016 through Feb. 8, 2017, CUB has handled 111 complaints and inquiries about alternative gas suppliers, compared with 67 in the same period last winter.

CUB said, "In the current market, it's likely that the regulated utilities offer the lowest prices."

CUB warned consumers to beware of these pitfalls:

• "High-pressure sales tactics: Beware of people at your door who say they're from the 'gas company.' Don't give out your account number or gas bill to just anybody who asks for it. That person may be trying to illegally sign you up for an offer without your permission. Before signing up, call CUB if you have any questions about an offer. Remember, you don't have to choose another company to supply you with gas. "

• "Low introductory rates that shoot up after a short period: Ask if the rate is an introductory or promotional rate, and, if so, when it ends and what the new rate will be"

• "Extra fees: Ask if there is a monthly fee, and if so, factor that into the per-therm price. "

• "Punishing exit fees: Ask if there is an exit fee if you want to leave a plan before the contract is up. Under the law, exit fees are capped at $50, and customers are allowed to leave a contract without paying a fee within 10 days after the date of the first bill."